Taiwan Beach Season 2023 I posted a rip current survival plan here on Forumosa.
If curious about experiencing a rip you can always start out in one of those circular “lazy rivers” at a local swimming pool. Try make it all the way around without touching the bottom.
If you are in Kaohsiung or Kenting, I coach youth surf lifesaving. Search West Bay Nippers on this forum for the available dates. I can buddy up with you and explain what to do in a rip.
Rescues happen to the best of us. At South African Surf Lifesaving Champs, I tried to navigate through massive surf, took a paddle shaft to the face, lost a tooth, and got worked for 45 minutes in the impact zone all while a massive rescue attempt was in progress. I landed up 400m down the beach. Rescue patrol monitoring me and over 800 competitive lifeguards on standby.
Flash rips can flare up and disappear in a matter of minutes. Water needs to escape, even on the calmest of days. All it takes is a turn in the tide or a certain wind direction.
I love the appeal of solo surf sessions, open ocean swims, and just messing around in the surf.
You need to be able to understand the local conditions, have an entry and exit strategy. Learn to use the conditions on the day to your advantage.
I encourage the youth surf lifesavers to use swim fins. That extra bit of kicking power builds confidence in the surf. Treading water becomes easy. Saves energy and means more time in the sea leading to more confidence.